Are you a service member or military spouse moving to the area? If you are, welcome to North Carolina, we’re so lucky to have you here! I’m Jenna, a local real estate agent hoping to help you find your dream home.
I can only imagine how difficult it can be, moving from city to city, trying to make each new house you move into feel like YOUR home. My goal is to help ease your transition, get you familiar with the local area (I’ll be here to introduce you to the best restaurants, local coffee shops, beaches, and hidden gems), and welcome you into our community with open arms, all while finding you a home that feels like YOU!
North Carolina is home to several military bases, including the Army’s Fort Bragg, the biggest military base in the country. Here are the bases organized by branch:
Air Force:
- Pope Air Force Base (Manchester)
- Seymour Johnson Air Force Base (Goldsboro)
Army:
- Fort Bragg (Fayetteville)
- Camp Mackall (Southern Pines)
- Simmons Army Airfield (Cumberland)
Coast Guard:
- Air Station Elizabeth City (Elizabeth City)
- National Strike Force (Elizabeth City)
Marines:
- Camp Lejeune (Jacksonville)
- MCAS Cherry Point (Havelock)
- MCAS New River (Jacksonville)
Navy:
- Military Ocean Terminal Sunny Point (Brunswick County)
And whether you’re renting or buying, why live on base when you can enjoy the freedom of finding your own place?
I’ve compiled a list of 6 Perks of living off-base:
- Whatever BAH you don’t spend goes in your pocket.
If you live on base, your full Basic Allowance for Housing goes into your house. If you choose to live off post, you get to keep your remaining monthly allowance.
- You can choose to buy
If you’re looking into investing in real estate, you have the freedom to purchase your home if you live off post. This gives you the option to sell after you leave, or rent it out to future tenants, providing a side income while paying your mortgage.
- Separation of Work & Play
While it may be convenient to live down the block from your office, it also becomes monotonous living within the confines of a base. I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to see my coworker every time I walk my dogs!
- The Food
Military bases are known for their Subway sandwich shops and Burger Kings. Now I’m not shaming a Whopper & fries, but there are so many places that knock the chain stores out of the park. In fact, I share my local favs regularly on my Instagram account so definitely check that out if you’re in the greater Wilmington, NC area! Link: https://www.instagram.com/saltyairliving/
- Become immersed in the local community
There is SO much to do here and you may be doing yourself a disservice limiting yourself to the MWR activities of the week. From our beaches to our concerts, you’ll find something your family will love.
- You can be eligible for a VA Loan
Being a service member offers you the ability to use a Veterans Affairs Loan on your home purchase. This means that a down payment will NOT be required of you when you purchase your home, allowing you to save that money for moving expenses and other fees associated with moving. Sounds like a win to me!
So what do you think, do any of these points resonate with you?
If you’re moving into town and want to learn more about the area, don’t hesitate to reach out to me, I’d love to chat and help you find a home that’s perfect for you! I look forward to welcoming you into our community!
Your go-to for all things real state, local community, and events…SIGNING OUT!
Jenna Kaz
